NEW MILFORD -- Last summer Ally Del Monte wrote and illustrated a paperback book about a Pekingese saved from a puppy mill.

"Lilly's Story'' is told from the dog's perspective to let young readers and their parents know the importance of adopting animals from local shelters and rescue organizations.

That's quite a feat for a girl not nearly old enough to drive, say animal enthusiasts. Ally is only 11.

All of her life, she has lived with Pekingese breed dogs her family adopted or sheltered for rescue organizations. They have three white Pekingese, one of them blind in one eye. Over the years, they have housed as many as seven at once.

Ally decided to tap her writing and artistic talents to promote the benefits of adopting dogs from shelters or rescue organizations rather than buying them from pet stores or breeders.

"I had to motivate myself by thinking of all the animals I was saving,'' said Ally, who moved to New Milford just three days before the opening of school with her parents, Wendy and David, and her younger brother, Aedan, who will be 8 on Feb. 22.

"Sometimes I got tired, but dogs can't speak for themselves, so who else was going to do this?'' Ally said about spending time away from more typical summer pursuits to finish her project. "I don't mind missing some things to help others, especially dogs.''

Her mother gave her an added incentive. She promised if Ally finished the book she would arrange to have it published. They agreed any money made by selling the book would benefit animal shelter and rescue organizations. In their new hometown of New Milford, the Del Montes have pledged to donate the proceeds to the Animal Welfare Society.

When the book was published, thanks to a generous donation from a family friend, Ally said, she was "so overwhelmed I pinched myself.''

She continues to be amazed with the reception her work receives.

"The book is absolutely adorable,'' said Debbie Bauman, owner of The Barkery Boo-tique on Bank Street, who has copies for sale in her store. She said "Lilly's Story'' has proved popular with customers.

"They can't believe a child that age wrote that kind of book,'' Bauman said. "It really is a special book.''

Animal Welfare Society president Tracy Miltner said her organization is proud to be associated with Ally.

"It's extremely important for the next generation to understand and carry on our fight to eliminate puppy mills and advocate shelter/rescue organization adoptions instead,'' Miltner said.

"What impresses me most about Ally is her dedication at such a young age. Her passion has impelled her to spread the word and educate her peers, as well as adults, of the plight of puppy-mill dogs."

Ally, a gregarious, dark-haired girl who also excels in drama and music -- she was recently cast as the witch in an TheatreWorks Kids production of "Into the Woods Jr.'' -- is unafraid to take a stand for the needy.

At age 7, she raised $3,300 at a lemonade stand and donated it to Hurricane Katrina victims.

Ally said she hopes to one day to be an actress and singer, or maybe a dog groomer or veterinarian.

"And I'm going to have a million dogs -- but all will be spayed and neutered,'' she said with a grin.